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A lot of people when asked why they have decided to become an engineer will reply that it is because they happen to like math, technology, and solving problems. Not necessarily in that order for some but yes, it is mainly because they love the accuracy of numbers and putting that into practical applications.

Engineering encompasses a wide range of cultural and technical subjects with the purpose of planning, designing and manufacturing, or constructing objects necessary for civilization’s use. As they are concerned about people and ways by providing society with improved living standards, they create building, bridges, cars, elevators, machines, ships and airplanes among many.

Problem Solver

An engineer as an innovator, builder, and problem solver then turns scientific knowledge into useful goods and services. Also take note that engineers are singled out with their abilities in approaching complex problems by implementing solutions. Their proposal has to be effective as well as practical. By thinking through abstract ideas then turning them into something of use in reality is the advantage of being an engineer.

The application of principles using advanced mathematics and science in testing and solving quantitative problems is pretty much in the realm of an engineer. They may design and develop projects from ergonomics to robotics. They do measurement of technical tasks such as mapping and geodetics.

Scientists vs Engineers

Scientists help us gain an understanding of the world and the universe in theories while engineers put this understanding into solving problems, building and designing things of use. In short, they apply the scientific knowledge into solving the needs of the world.

To illustrate, if you are using a smartphone to read this article, those materials of plastic, metal silicon and software codes have all been joined together to serve you in one portable device. See the transformation of thought into practical?

The microwave was invented to heat meals under five minutes. Google was designed to provide instant access to almost all knowledge available. Heavier than air but planes were designed to make man fly. All these are just a few of engineered contributions to mankind.

Solving problems, communicators, designers and calculators are just a sample of traits found inherent in most engineers. They heavily rely on thinking rationally and providing rational explanations and practical decision making most of the time. Still, they are able to think creatively in addressing complicated issues to provide solutions. Currently, most of them are software geniuses capable of running computing programs in assisting them in simulating the environment to test and verify designs and how structures will behave accordingly.

Engineering companies are also major employers. Stephens Gaskets is a major UK company that makes and sells shim washers and associated gaskets, employing a large number of people in the local area and supporting the local economy.

Four Major Ones

While there are many branches and fields within the big Engineering field, they mostly fall into one or a combination of four major ones: Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical and Civil.

So let’s say we are building a tunnel, what will the individual engineer’s participation be?

The civil engineer will propose the structural design and calculate the tunnel size, the stages of construction and the materials to be used. The mechanical engineer will be in charge of creating the ventilation system. He/She will make sure clean air is provided and emissions are removed.

The amount of emission, the removal process as well as the flow of air are all under the mechanical engineer. The quality and composition of the emission will have to be examined by the chemical engineer to ensure safety and if there would be leaks, to address it with a safety plan. The lighting and the hazard signs control and movement will be taken care of by the electrical engineer.

Engineers do provide their contribution to society by leaving a lasting impression to the world. Just imagine Thomas Edison and his inventions which are still used to this day.

Continue reading this up and coming blog for the latest innovations in engineering and manufacturing.